Porn Industry seeks bailout

It had to happen:

Another major American industry is asking for assistance as the global financial crisis continues: Hustler publisher Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis said Wednesday they will request that Congress allocate $5 billion for a bailout of the adult entertainment industry.

“The take here is that everyone and their mother want to be bailed out from the banks to the big three,” said Owen Moogan, spokesman for Larry Flynt. “The porn industry has been hurt by the downturn like everyone else and they are going to ask for the $5 billion. Is it the most serious thing in the world? Is it going to make the lives of Americans better if it happens? It is not for them to determine.”

The industry has suffered some major blows (as it were...):

- User (de) generated content - ie thousands of enthusiastic and nekkid amateurs getting it on - online - on services like YouPorn is destroying the subscription business model

- Why bother to watch it if you can get it on yourself via online social networks (aka dating sites)

- And in fact the SocNets are cleaning up their acts (or at least keeping it all in situ)

This has forced well known names in porn to IPO in uncertain times with - umm, "interesting" advisors

They claim that:

"People are too depressed to be sexually active," Flynt said in the statement. "This is very unhealthy as a nation. Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex."

Unfortunately this is contradicted by the data, in tough times, it seems the people get it on.....

- Condom sales are on the rise

- It seems that laid off bankers get laid elsewhere

So, although some parts of the market are softening, its clear that others see that demand is remaining firm.